Thread: Are evangelical Christian youth camps a concern?

I saw a documentary on Sunday evening called 'Jesus Camp', and I found it quite worrying. It focused on the lives of three born-again evangelical Christian kids, the oldest of whom was Levi who seemed about ten. He preaches in his father's church.

These kids are taught that global warming is a scam, that evolution is a lie, and that dinosaurs walked with men on earth. They speak in tongues, and partake in hysterical 'religious' ceremonies, with waving of hands, crying, and screaming. They also preach to strangers on the street. Levi says that he was 'born again' when he was five. They are nearly all home schooled, and the documentary points out that 75% of home schooled American kids are fundamentalist, evangelical Christians.

All the adults in this organisation were aggresive and overweight, and the kids totally accepted what they were told. Not one kid asked one question.

There is also a scene at New Life Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado where Ted Haggard preaches a sermon against homosexuality. The scene was shot before the scandal following revelation that Haggard had sexual relations with men. Before the service, Levi mentioned how he admired Ted Haggard and was looking forward to meeting him. After the sermon, Levi informs Haggard that he has already preached sermons and wants to be a preacher when he grows up. Haggard advises him: “I say, use your cute kid thing until you’re thirty, and by then you’ll have good content”. The comment leaves Levi baffled and a bit disappointed. Afterward, Levi, Rachael, Tory, their families and several other children take part in a Justice House of Prayer rally held by Engle in front of the U.S. Supreme Court.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesus_Camp

Shouldn't Americans be concerned about such blatant brainwashing of very young children?

Only if they do not include Urban Survival & Firearms training ...

Originally Posted by Leo2

I saw a documentary on Sunday evening called 'Jesus Camp', and I found it quite worrying. It focused on the lives of three born-again evangelical Christian kids, the oldest of whom was Levi who seemed about ten. He preaches in his father's church.

These kids are taught that global warming is a scam, that evolution is a lie, and that dinosaurs walked with men on earth. They speak in tongues, and partake in hysterical 'religious' ceremonies, with waving of hands, crying, and screaming. They also preach to strangers on the street. Levi says that he was 'born again' when he was five. They are nearly all home schooled, and the documentary points out that 75% of home schooled American kids are fundamentalist, evangelical Christians.

All the adults in this organisation were aggresive and overweight, and the kids totally accepted what they were told. Not one kid asked one question.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesus_Camp

Shouldn't Americans be concerned about such blatant brainwashing of very young children?

It's a parent's right to determine the upbringing of their children. I don't necessarily agree with what the above parents are doing, but I fear a government that could stop such a thing more than I do the harm that the above parents cause.

Also, remember documentaries have political points of view. Editing can do a lot to change the perception of events.

Originally Posted by Leo2

They are nearly all home schooled, and the documentary points out that 75% of home schooled American kids are fundamentalist, evangelical Christians.

I very rarely dispute empirical claims on this forum, but that sounds like bull(*)(*)(*)(*) to me.

My son was taught that the Holocaust never happened, learning grammar and spelling was a waste of time, and the only compassionate system is communism. He learned those things in public school.

Public schools, I pay for. Jesus Camps, I don't pay for.

Originally Posted by Jack Ridley

I very rarely dispute empirical claims on this forum, but that sounds like bull(*)(*)(*)(*) to me.

It may very well be, but all you need do is Google Jesus Camp, and investigate the claim further.

Originally Posted by Leo2

Shouldn't Americans be concerned about such blatant brainwashing of very young children?

I believe you already know how this all pans out, Leo. Should we be? Absolutely. Are we? Absolutely not.

Many grown Americans share the points of views being espoused in these camps, and therefore feel it is perfectly acceptable to pump their children's heads full of such nonsense. It is a vicious cycle of proselytizing intellectually defenseless minors, which continually perpetuates itself through successive generations.

But, of course, any moves to stamp out this sort of thing are labelled -- perhaps not unjustly -- as an assault on their religious rights. "What of it," I say; I am quite fed up with nutters abusing the system and hiding behind their "rights." My personal opinion is that it constitutes child abuse, but best of luck getting a judge to draft a writ of agreement.

Originally Posted by Leo2

I saw a documentary on Sunday evening called 'Jesus Camp', and I found it quite worrying. It focused on the lives of three born-again evangelical Christian kids, the oldest of whom was Levi who seemed about ten. He preaches in his father's church.

These kids are taught that global warming is a scam, that evolution is a lie, and that dinosaurs walked with men on earth. They speak in tongues, and partake in hysterical 'religious' ceremonies, with waving of hands, crying, and screaming. They also preach to strangers on the street. Levi says that he was 'born again' when he was five. They are nearly all home schooled, and the documentary points out that 75% of home schooled American kids are fundamentalist, evangelical Christians.

All the adults in this organisation were aggresive and overweight, and the kids totally accepted what they were told. Not one kid asked one question.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesus_Camp

Shouldn't Americans be concerned about such blatant brainwashing of very young children?

They are great brainwashing factories that will make kids great obedient American consumers that will buy stuff they don't need, and want crap they can't afford. It's all about the worship man, dumb them down early and stunt their cognitive development to the level of a 12 year old. That way they will be easy marks and will proudly support the penil correction system when they become adults.

Originally Posted by Plymouth

My personal opinion is that it constitutes child abuse,

I might agree, but I don't think it is much worse than what is considered socially acceptable child rearing these days.

Originally Posted by Clint Torres

They are great brainwashing factories that will make kids great obedient American consumers that will buy stuff they don't need, and want crap they can't afford. It's all about the worship man, dumb them down early and stunt their cognitive development to the level of a 12 year old. That way they will be easy marks and will proudly support the penil correction system when they become adults.

Are you talking about Jesus Camps or Public Schools? As I read it, it sounds like a perfect description of public schools except you forgot to mention bogus science claims and political indoctination.